Reuters: I am my own man, says Ukraine's new prime minister

The appointment of Groysman ended months of political turmoil that had stymied policymaking

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said on Friday he would not let his decision-making be shackled by powerful vested interests, allowing him to push through reforms and usher in a period of economic stability.

In his first interview with foreign media since taking office in April, Groysman told Reuters he was confident of receiving a further installment of aid worth .7 billion from the International Monetary Fund, which is contingent on implementing reforms.

He will travel to Washington in mid-June, with Ukraine having recently taken two major steps - freeing up gas prices and passing legislation to tackle corruption in the judiciary - under its commitments in a USD 40 billion international bailout deal.